Dee returned the next week, and so did Virgil. Again, he purchased a small packet of honeysuckle. Again, he overpaid.
Soon the days began to grow longer, and the rainy season ended. And still, Dee travelled to the market weekly, stopping by the forager’s stand at the end of each visit.
This week, Virgil spotted Dee first. “My lord!” he called in a clear, musical voice that thrummed through Dee’s bones. He swallowed back his growl. He looked up, and with effort, kept his teeth behind his lips. The man lowered his eyes as soon as Dee approached, and beckoned him closer.
Dee let the wind catch the edge of his cloak, billowing out and away from his ankles as he approached Virgil’s booth. He spared a quick glance to the Hunter who’d been trailing him since he’d arrived at the market that afternoon, ensuring he hadn’t lost him in the crowd. This part of the market was always quieter and he thought the Hunter should be able to relax a bit now. Dee smiled to himself.
They tasted sweeter when they were calm.